Enjoying Andes Mints and Other Candies With Diabetes

Enjoying Andes Mints and Other Candies With Diabetes

Andes mints are a popular after dinner candy that combines cool minty flavor with the sweetness of chocolate. For people with diabetes, enjoying sweets like Andes mints is possible when carefully incorporated into a healthy meal plan. The key is practicing moderation and making smart substitutions when satisfying your candy cravings.

Andes Mints Nutrition Facts

First, lets look at the nutrition information for Andes mints:

• Serving Size: 1 mint (4g)
• Calories: 20
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Protein: 0g

The main nutrients to pay attention to are the carbohydrates and sugar. Since each Andes mint contains 3g net carbs and 2g sugar, they can easily fit into a diabetic diet when consumed carefully and accounted for.

Tips for Incorporating Andes Mints

Here are some tips for people with diabetes to enjoy Andes mints:

• Portion control is key - stick to 1-2 mints per serving
• Balance carb intake by reducing other carbs at the meal
• Pair mints with protein and healthy fats to blunt blood sugar spike
• Always check blood sugar levels before and after eating sweets
• Consume mints after a meal rather than alone as a snack
• Account for mints when calculating your daily carb budget
• Select sugar-free mints to reduce carb impact
• Watch out for bigger chocolate covered mint sizes with more carbs

Healthier Ways to Enjoy Andes Mints

A few smart tips for eating Andes mints when you have diabetes:

• Eat one mint square with a spoonful of peanut or almond butter
• Add a mint to plain Greek yogurt with cinnamon and chopped nuts
• Melt one mint square and dip strawberries or apple slices
• Stir crumbled mints into your morning oatmeal
• Mix into dark chocolate bark made with nuts and seeds

Other Candy Options for Diabetics

While you can fit Andes mints into your meal plan, there are other candies and sweets that may be smarter choices:

Sugar-Free Gum and Mints

Chewing gum and sucking on mints that are sweetened with sugar alcohols like xylitol and erythritol have minimal effects on blood sugar. Great for when you want something sweet between meals.

Dark Chocolate

Opt for at least 70% cocoa dark chocolate which has less sugar. The richness satisfies cravings in smaller servings. Pair with nuts or fruit.

Jelly Beans

Look for jelly bean brands made with sugar alcohols like malitol and sorbitol for low carb, diabetes-friendly versions.

Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

At around 5g net carbs per cup, a serving of 2-3 mini cups can fit into a daily meal plan. Plus peanut butter offers protein.

Skittles

Around 15 standard Skittles contains 15g carbs, so portion control is key. Or try sugar-free Skittles as a substitute.

Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars

A fun size 1.5 ounce bar contains about 21g net carbs. Stick to a partial bar within your carb budget.

Tips for Healthy Candy Eating with Diabetes

Keeping your blood sugar in check while satisfying sweet cravings is possible by following these tips:

• Always check ingredient labels and nutrition info
• Measure candy portions carefully using a food scale
• Balance carb intake - don't overload at any one time
• Eat candy alongside protein, fat, fiber
• Consume sweets after meals, not alone
• Test blood sugar before and 2 hours after eating
• Substitute sugar-free or low-carb candy options when possible
• Make smart swaps like fruit instead of candy
• Incorporate activity after eating sweets to help manage blood sugar response

Healthy Dessert Alternatives to Candy

For people with diabetes, candy is just an occasional treat. Focus everyday meals on more nutrient-dense foods. Try these healthy dessert ideas instead of high-sugar sweets:

Fresh Fruit

Enjoy nature's candy by mixing up your fruit choices - berries, bananas, pineapple, grapes, apples, etc.

Greek Yogurt Parfaits

Layer sweetened Greek yogurt with nuts, granola, coconut, fruit for a creamy, protein-rich treat.

Chia Pudding

Chia seeds mixed with coconut milk or nut milk create a tapioca-like texture. Flavor with vanilla, cocoa, fruits.

Protein Smoothies

Blend banana, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, etc. for a decadent, protein-packed sip.

Avocado Chocolate Pudding

Mix cocoa powder, avocado, maple syrup, vanilla for a creamy chocolate pudding minus the guilt.

Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Blend avocado, melted dark chocolate, lime juice for a rich chocolate mousse full of healthy fats.

Chocolate Covered Banana Bites

Freeze banana slices then dip in melted dark chocolate for an easy frozen treat.

Coconut Milk Ice Cream

Full-fat coconut milk blended with vanilla and stevia makes a dairy-free ice cream base to mix with fruits.

The Takeaway on Diabetes and Candy

Having diabetes doesn't have to mean the end of enjoying sweet treats like Andes mints. Through careful carbohydrate counting and portion control, candies can be incorporated into an overall healthy meal plan. Focus on sugar-free and low-carb candies, consume after meals, balance with protein and healthy fats, monitor your blood sugar, and make room in your carb budget.

While occasional candy is fine, emphasize more nutrient-dense foods and desserts like fruit, yogurt, and dark chocolate on a daily basis. With some discipline and smart substitutions, living with diabetes does not have to mean missing out on life's little pleasures.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.